Responsible Social Gaming

Backyard Bets (a service of Backyard Leagues, LLC) is fully committed to promoting responsible social betting as part of our focus on customer care and social responsibility. Our aim is to provide fun, casual sports predictions in a manner that fosters customer protection, personal choice, and balanced gameplay.

We believe it is our responsibility to ensure you enjoy your time on the Backyard Bets platform while remaining mindful of potential risks that can arise if you do not manage your play sensibly.

1. Keeping Track of Your Play

1.1 Play for Fun.
Backyard Bets exists for entertainment and camaraderie among friends. Because wagers are minimal and optional (and you can also play for free by choosing not to place the $1 wager), it should be treated as a recreational pastime, not as a way to earn money.

1.2 Avoid Impairment.
You should not place bets or participate in our predictions while under the influence of alcohol or drugs, or as a means to escape personal problems. Keep your mindset positive and realistic.

1.3 Budget Wisely.

We permit only one (1) $1 wager per week; if you decide to participate with real money, ensure it’s an amount you can comfortably afford.
Never “chase losses” or try to make up for prior outcomes by betting more frequently than our rules allow.

1.4 Monitor Your Time.
Although the stakes are small, it’s still important not to let social betting consume too much of your day. Treat Backyard Bets like any other social activity: enjoyable in moderation, without interfering in your daily obligations.

1.5 Cooling-Off & Assessment.
If you feel you are fixating too heavily on bets or need a break, please see Section 2 below for details on how to set personal limits or exclude yourself from the platform. And if you suspect your gaming/betting may be problematic, see Section 3 for self-assessment questions.

2. Staying in Control

Backyard Bets is designed to be low-risk, minimal-stakes, and invite-only. Still, we recognize that any form of wagering can be habit-forming for some users. Therefore, we offer measures to help you stay in control.

2.1 Cool-Off Periods.

If at any point you feel you need a break (beyond the inherent one-bet-per-week rule), you can request a cool-off period of 7 days or 30 days.
During a cool-off, your Backyard Bets account will be temporarily locked so you cannot place bets or access certain features.

How to Request a Cool-Off:

Email us at MediocreBackyardLeagues@gmail.com and indicate you want a 7-day or 30-day cool-off.
We will implement the cool-off as soon as reasonably possible, and notify you once it is active.

Note: Cool-off periods cannot be shortened once initiated.

2.2 Self-Exclusion.

If you prefer a longer exclusion period (e.g., 3, 6, or 12 months), let us know by emailing MediocreBackyardLeagues@gmail.com with your full name, email address, and a request for self-exclusion.
During self-exclusion, you will be unable to access your Backyard Bets account or place any bets.
We strongly recommend also avoiding other betting, gambling, or gaming platforms if you believe you are at risk of problem gaming.

Note: Self-exclusion periods cannot be shortened once in effect. If you wish to return after your exclusion ends, please contact us via email to reactivate or create a new membership (subject to our invite-only rules).

2.3 Permanent Closure.

You may also permanently close your Backyard Bets account at any time. Email MediocreBackyardLeagues@gmail.com with the subject “Close Account.”
We reserve the right to refuse or close accounts unilaterally if we suspect problem behavior or any violation of our Terms of Use.

3. Self-Assessment

3.1 If you suspect that you (or someone you know) may be developing an unhealthy relationship with social betting, consider these questions:

Do you frequently think about betting outcomes or upcoming bets?
Have you ever lied about or hidden your participation in Backyard Bets?
Do you find yourself irritated when betting or gaming is interrupted?
After missing out or losing, do you feel compelled to place a new bet immediately?
Do you rely on betting to handle emotional distress or personal problems?
Have you ignored social events, family time, or work obligations in favor of following or placing bets?
Do friends or family express concern about your betting habits?

The more questions you answer “yes” to, the more important it is to consider seeking help (see Section 4 below).

4. Support & Assistance

4.1 National Problem Gambling Helpline.
If you are concerned about your betting behavior or suspect that you may have a gambling-related problem, we encourage you to contact the National Problem Gambling Helpline at 1-800-GAMBLER.

This organization is not affiliated with Backyard Bets or Backyard Leagues, LLC and does not provide customer support for our service. They do, however, offer confidential resources and counseling.

4.2 Independent Resources.
You may also find additional supportive resources from local or online counseling services, addiction support groups, or mental health professionals specializing in gambling addiction or related issues.

4.3 Backyard Bets Internal Measures.

If we observe or suspect any problematic behavior, we reserve the right to institute restrictions, including limiting weekly wagers, imposing temporary cooldowns, or initiating a forced self-exclusion to safeguard the individual and the spirit of our social platform.

5. Our Ongoing Commitment

Backyard Bets aims to maintain a relaxed, low-stakes environment where players can enjoy friendly predictions without the typical concerns of high-risk gambling. We remain dedicated to:

User education: Providing easy access to information on responsible betting.
Social responsibility: Continuously refining our platform’s controls to uphold a safe, enjoyable community.
Respecting boundaries: Honoring cool-off and self-exclusion requests promptly.

Should you have any questions about managing your Backyard Bets activity, or if you need further guidance on responsible social gaming measures, please contact us at MediocreBackyardLeagues@gmail.com.

Disclaimer

This Responsible Social Gaming Policy is part of our broader Terms of Use. It does not override or replace any portion of the Terms. In the event of any conflict, the Terms of Use shall control. We may modify this policy at any time to ensure we continue to meet our obligations to our users and the community. For full details on your rights, responsibilities, and our liabilities, please consult the Backyard Bets Terms of Use.